9 Beauty Products To Leave On The Shelf

Get skincare savvy with our guide to separating beauty fact from beauty fiction...

Cellulite creams are a quick fix that rarely last the duration of a holiday let alone a lifetime. Instead of shelling out hard earned cash on the promise of tauter, smoother thighs that never seem to materialise, you’re probably better off concentrating your efforts on diet and exercise.

Replacing fizzy drinks with water and cutting down on alcohol are the first steps towards dimple-free skin. As is daily body brushing and interval training sessions which are adept at kickstarting a sluggish circulation – the main cause of the dreaded orange peel.

Neck cream

Our cover star Helen McCrory admitted in our March issue that if she could go back and tell her younger self one thing it would be ‘use neck cream’.

One of the biggest age giveaways, much like hands, the neck often ages slightly faster than the face. But, there’s a simple solution just extend your daily skincare routine down to your neck. Regular exfoliation and daily moisturising will prevent the onset of lines and save you the extra expense of a neck cream – which essentially contains the same ingredients as your normal moisturiser.

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Lip plumpers

Lip plumpers work by causing a sudden rush of blood to the lip area by essentially stinging it and causing trauma. Somewhat uncomfortable and with short lived effect, we much prefer to boost our pout with cleverly applied pain-free make-up. Here some tips to get you started.

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Split-end saving shampoo

Hair is delicate and easily damaged. Each individual strand is made up of cuticles which if excessively coloured or brushed can lift, much like paint on a wall. As soon as that occurs the hair will start to split and curl outwards causing what we commonly know as ‘split ends’. Once this happens there is no cure, except a hair cut, so don’t be tempted to purchase any products claiming to have split-end mending abilities. Instead invest in a leave-in conditioner or deeply nourishing shampoo which will give your hair cuticles optimum hydration and protect them from splitting in the first place.

Stetch mark potions

If applied daily, specially designed lotions and oils can dramatically reduce the appearance of stretch marks scars, however it’s highly unlikely they will get rid of them all together.

When it comes to stretch marks, prevention is better than cure. The first cause is rapid weight gain or loss, second is subjecting your skin’s precious lipid layer (which protects the natural collagen and elastin in your skin) to scorching hot water.

If your weight fluctuates regularly try to avoid really hot baths and showers or limit them to 15 minutes that way you’ll prevent long-lasting damage to your skin.

Bust cream

It’s no surprise that the most frequently sunburnt area of a women’s body (the bust/chest) is also the area most susceptable to premature ageing.

Prevent wrinkles and that crepe-like texture from setting in by applying SPF when out in the sun and a body moisturiser the moment you step out of the bath.

Avoid any cream that claims to lift or increase the size of your bust, unless they are immune to gravity they aren’t going to work. Instead opt for a lotion that has firming properties, this could very well improve the overall texture and suppleness of your skin.

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Make-up with SPF

Make-up that contains a built-in SPF comes a nice added bonus but don’t forgo wearing actual SPF when out in the sun. The small amount fused into foundations and tinted moisturisers is not enough to solely protect you from harmful rays.

Click through to see some more common beauty myths busted…

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MYTH: You should wash your face AM and PM

FICTION Almost every skin expert agrees that over-washing often leads to irritation and dehydration, as you?re stripping away the protective natural barrier of sebum. The ideal is to clean well before bed, at the time when skin repairs itself, and only cleanse in the morning if your skin looks shiny. ?It?s a matter of personal preference,? says Julie. ?Quite often we get into the habit of cleansing, but should look at the way skin responds.?

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MYTH: Using your mobile phone causes spots

FACT Touching your face regularly transfers what is on your hands to your face, that much we know. But it?s now believed that mobiles are one of the biggest carriers of germs. Experts say the average phone has more germs than a toilet seat. Make sure you take a hygienic wipe to your phone?s screen regularly.

MYTH: Sleeping on your back may prevent wrinkles

FACT Dermatologist Karen Burke can predict which side we sleep on by looking at our faces. The American Academy of Dermatology agrees that sleeping in certain positions may result in deep ?sleep lines?, so start lying on your back now!